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“Matt Toomua is by far the best 12 I have played with, even after just six games (together),” said Ford.

“He is coming off the back of a long-term injury and is getting back into his stride but the way he has played over the last few weeks has shown what a world-class player he is.

“To have him outside of me has been great, as is his communication, distribution and another set of eyes to bring in people like Jonny May, Nick Malouf and Telusa Veainu into the game. He is a joy to play with.

“He is a great bloke with a massive influence on the squad. He is very jovial and enjoys a bit of banter and a laugh too.

George Ford is relishing playing alongside Matt Toomua. Picture - David Rogers/Getty Images

“He brings in his experience and his knowledge and the way he prepares not only himself, but the people around him too, is first class. He knows exactly what he wants, where he wants people and how they can get there. He really knows his stuff.”

With Ford finding his feet in a hurry after returning to the club in the summer and Toomua settling in after missing his first season with a knee injury, it’s likely that their partnership is only going to get better.

The 24-year-old says Toomua’s all-round game is outstanding and proving a real boost to Leicester’s attacking intentions under head coach Matt O’Connor as they head to Paris this weekend to start their Champions Cup campaign against Racing 92.

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“He is like-minded in terms of that he wants to attack and find space. His communication is brilliant and his vision gives us an extra set of eyes close by to give me information. It’s the best I have ever experienced.

“His execution off the back of that is great to have too. How he has picked out Jonny May with try-scoring passes recently has been great for us.

“What makes Matt such a good player and distributor is that when he gets the ball, nine times out of a 10, he makes the right decision with what to do with it.

“For a fly-half to have someone like that outside of me, is an unbelievable help.”